CA Real Estate License

California Real Estate Exam Guide & Study Resources

3,800+ practice questions, study guides, and CA licensing info. Pass your salesperson or broker exam on the first try — free, no credit card required.

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3,800+Practice Questions

51%State Pass RateSource: DRE

$68KAvg SalaryView Details →Source: BLS OEWS 2023

94%Our Pass RateBased on 2024 user survey (n=1,247)

Reviewed bySarah Johnson—Licensed Real Estate Broker (CA, TX)

California Real Estate Exam Key Facts

California is the largest real estate market in the U.S. with over 400,000 active licensees. The California DRE administers a 150-question salesperson exam with a 51% first-time pass rate, making it one of the more challenging state exams in the nation.

Salesperson Exam	Exam Fee	Licensing Authority	Renewal
150 Q / 195 min / 70% pass	$60	DRE	Every 4 years / 45 CE hours

Source: California Department of Real Estate · Salary data: BLS OEWS · Our methodology

Free California Exam Guide (PDF)

Complete 2026 guide: requirements, costs, topics & study tips

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Recent California Real Estate Law Updates

AB 2992 — Buyer-Broker Agreement Rules

High ImpactJan 2025

AB 2992 requires a written buyer-broker representation agreement no later than the execution of the buyer's offer, stating compensation, services, and an expiration date capped at 3 months (no automatic renewal; entity clients exempt). Expect exam questions layering this on top of the MLS before-touring policy.

Official Source

Buyer Representation Agreement Mandate

High ImpactJul 2025

California follows the NAR settlement by requiring written buyer representation agreements before showing properties. Agents must disclose compensation terms upfront.

Official Source

AB 1033 — ADU Condo Conversions

High ImpactJan 2025

Assembly Bill 1033 allows homeowners to sell accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as separate condominiums, creating new property ownership and transfer questions on the exam.

Official Source

Note: This information is for reference only. Always verify current requirements with the DRE.

California Real Estate Exam Overview

Licensing Authority

California Department of Real Estate

(DRE)

Official Website

Exam Fees

$60

per exam attempt

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Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the California real estate exam?

The California real estate exam has a first-time pass rate of about 51%. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and you need 70% to pass. With EstatePass, our students achieve a 94% pass rate.

How many questions are on the CA real estate exam?

The California salesperson exam has 150 questions (100 national, 50 state-specific). You have 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete it. The broker exam has 200 questions with 5 hours allowed.

What are the California real estate license requirements?

You must be 18+, complete 3 DRE-approved courses (Real Estate Principles, Practice, and one elective), pass a background check, and pass the state exam.

How much does a California real estate license cost?

Total costs: Pre-license courses ($200-$500), exam fee ($60), license fee ($245), fingerprinting ($49). Budget approximately $600-$900 total.

How long is the California real estate exam?

The salesperson exam is 3 hours 15 minutes for 150 questions. The broker exam allows 5 hours for 200 questions.

Can you take the California real estate exam online?

California real estate exams are administered at DRE-approved testing centers. As of 2026, California does not offer remote online proctored exams. You must take the exam in person at a designated testing center.

Popular California Cities for Real Estate

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Los Angeles San Diego San Jose San Francisco Fresno Sacramento Long Beach Oakland

California Exam Study Topics

Master these essential topics for the CA real estate exam

California Exam Study Resources

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Study Guides

Buyer Representation Agreement: Complete 2026 Guide for the Real Estate Exam

Everything you need to know about buyer representation agreements after the NAR settlement. Learn the new rules, state requirements, and practice exam questions.

State Guides

Texas SB 1968: New Buyer Representation Law Effective January 2026

Complete guide to Texas Senate Bill 1968 requiring written buyer representation agreements. Learn what Texas real estate agents must know for the 2026 exam.

Exam Tips

How to Pass Your Real Estate Exam on the First Try: 10 Proven Strategies

Learn the top strategies that successful candidates use to pass their real estate licensing exam on the first attempt. From study techniques to test-day tips.

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